Battery Case Support Structure for Collision-Resistant Cell Packing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Batteries with high energy density are prone to deformation and internal cell damage during collisions due to weak anti-collision capabilities of conventional casings, which can lead to displacement and safety issues.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a support member within the battery case that extends in the same direction as the battery cells, fixed at both ends, to enhance structural stiffness and strength, thereby improving the battery's anti-collision performance without compromising energy density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the battery uses a conventional case without internal support structures, then the energy density is maximized by minimizing case material, but the anti-collision capability is insufficient causing case deformation and battery cell damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanti-collision capabilityVSAvoidcase structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into multiple segments: an outer case body and internal support members. The support members are separate components that can be independently designed and positioned within the case, allowing the case structure to be segmented into functional zones (support areas and battery cell accommodation areas). This segmentation enables the case to provide enhanced collision resistance without requiring the entire case structure to be massively reinforced.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Support members are strategically positioned at specific locations within the case where collision forces are most likely to occur. Rather than uniformly thickening the entire case, the support members provide localized reinforcement in critical areas such as near battery cell rows and at potential impact points. This local quality approach enhances anti-collision capability while minimizing the overall material usage and maintaining energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Strength

If support members are added to enhance case strength, then the anti-collision capability is improved, but the energy density may be reduced due to increased material usage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecase structural strengthVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are designed as thin-walled cylindrical structures that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. These thin-walled structures act as efficient load-bearing elements that can resist collision forces while occupying minimal space and adding minimal mass. The thin-walled design allows the support members to provide structural reinforcement without significantly increasing the overall material quantity, thereby preserving energy density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The case structure combines different materials with complementary properties: the outer case body and the internal support members may use different materials optimized for their specific functions. The support members are designed to work compositely with the case body, creating a hierarchical structure where each component contributes its optimal properties. This composite approach allows for efficient material distribution that balances strength enhancement with weight and space constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4280351B1Battery, power consuming apparatus, and manufacturing method for battery
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 CONTEMPORARY AMPEREX TECHNOLOGY (HONG KONG) LIMITED
  • EP4280351B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4280351B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4280351B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The disclosure provides a battery, a power consuming apparatus, and a method for manufacturing a battery. The battery includes a case, at least one row of battery cells, and a support member, where an accommodation space is formed inside the case; the at least one row of battery cells is arranged in the accommodation space, and each row of battery cells includes at least two battery cells arranged opposite each other in a first direction; and the support member extends in the first direction, and two ends of the support member are fixed to the case. The support member is arranged in the case, and an extending direction of the support member is the same as that of one row of battery cells, such that interference between the support member and the battery cell can be avoided. The two ends of the support member are fixed to the case, and structural stiffness and structural strength of the case can be improved by means of a supporting effect of the support member without reducing an energy density of the battery, thereby improving an anti-collision capability of the case, and reducing a risk of displacement or damage of the battery cell due to collision of the battery.